Speaking English - Expressing ability with CAN, COULD, BE ABLE TO

Hey, Alex here, and today we're discussing ability.

So we have three particular phrases or words that we're looking at.

We're looking at "can," "could," and "be able to."

Now the first two, "can" and "could" can be used in more situations other than just simply

speaking about abilities.

So you can use them to make requests, "can" in particular you can also use to ask for

permission.

But today we're strictly focusing on talking about ability.

So what is ability?

Ability basically means like the, having the skill, the power, or the means to do something.

So for "can," very basic, "I can swim.

I can swim."

Okay, there's a very special point to be made about this sentence though.

When discussing "can" or when using "can," it can only be used in its infinitive form,

meaning that you cannot say, "I can, I can too swim."

You can't do that.

So the verb that follows "can" must be in its base form.

So you cannot have, "I can swimming," or "I can dancing," or "I can too dance," "I can

too swim."

It simply must be the base form of the verb.

So give me one moment.

We must say, "I can swim."

Okay, and if you'll keep in mind that this is the present form.

Now we can also use "can" for future, when we're talking about the possibility of doing

something in the future.

So if someone asks you, "Can you help me study for my test today?"

You can say, "No, I can't, but I can help you tomorrow."

However, you cannot use it for the past.

So "can" can only be used in the present or when talking about the possibility of doing

something in the future.

So let's write that down.

So we said, "I can help you tomorrow."

Okay so "can," we can use it in the present and for future.

Now "could," specifically we use this when discussing about past possibility or past

ability.

So you would say, "My grandma could swim," if your grandma could swim in the past.

If we're talking about, as morbid as it seems, a deceased relative, "My grandma could swim,"

or "My grandma could speak five languages."

So let's use that.

"My grandma could swim."

So "My grandma had the power to swim.

She could swim."

Okay, and again, just like "can," you must use the base form of the verb.

You cannot say, "My grandma could to swim," or "My grandma could swimming."

It must be, "My grandma could swim," or "My grandma could walk," "My grandma could dance,"

"My grandma could sing."

She could probably do all those things.

So let's look at "be able to."

Now so far, we've got the present and the future covered with "can" when talking about

our ability.

We've got the past covered when we talk about "could," and this one, well, this one covers

it all.

So you can say, "I will be able to drive in the future when I get my license.

I can drive," or "I was able to drive when I was 16 years old."

So again, "be able to," let's say, "I am able to drive."

Okay, so again, that is the present form of that, and again, you can't say, "I was able

to drive," or "I will be able to drive."

So "be able to" covers the entire gamut, the entire arena, if you will, of the tenses.

So just a reminder, "can," you can use it for talking about your ability in the present.

I can swim.

I can drive.

You can talk about it, about future possibility.

I can help you tomorrow.

When talking about "could," you would talk about the past.

My grandma could swim.

And when using "be able to" and talking about your ability, you can use it in any tense.

I am able to drive.

I was able to drive in the past.

I will be able to drive.

Okay?

So I'll let that sink in for you guys for a couple of moments, and I'll be right back.

Okay, so now let's talk about a special case when using "can," "could," and "be able to,"

specifically when we're talking about the past.

Now, I mentioned that you can use "could" for talking about the past, like, "My grandma

could drive."

But when you're talking about specific achievements in the past, so let's say you won something,

or you got something major, you cannot use "could."

So here is the example I have here, and it would be better if I go to this side so you

guys can see it.

It says, "I blank win the spelling bee."

So the spelling bee is a specific achievement, okay?

And it's something that happened in the past, so when we say, "I could win the spelling

bee," when we're talking about the past, hmm, it doesn't sound quite right.

So we would say, "I was able to win the spelling bee," okay?

So I hope that clears it up a bit.

That is one special, special exception that I hope will stick with you guys.

So thank you for watching, and for more videos, please check out www.engvid.com.

I'll see you guys later.

Take care.